Houston sports in the 1970s

By John Boyd

Photo: Mark Kauffman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Houston Oilers players get taped up in the locker room before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 7, 1975 in San Francisco, California. The Oilers defeated the Niners 27-13. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Houston Oilers players get taped up in the locker room before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 7, 1975 in San Francisco, California. The Oilers defeated the Niners 27-13. ... more

Photo: Michael Zagaris, Getty Images

Houston Oilers players get taped up in the locker room before the... Photo-5459326.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Outfielder Jose Cruz #25 of the Houston Astros smiles for the camera in this portrait during an Major League Baseball game circa 1975. Cruz played for the Astros from 1975-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Outfielder Jose Cruz #25 of the Houston Astros smiles for the camera in this portrait during an Major League Baseball game circa 1975. Cruz played for the Astros from 1975-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty ... more

Moses Malone #24 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Wes Unseld #41 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1977 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Malone played for the Rockets from 1976-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Moses Malone #24 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Wes Unseld #41 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1977 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Malone played for the ... more

Rick Barry #4 of the Houston Rockets lays the ball up in front of Wes Unseld #41 of the Washington Bullets during a circa 1978 NBA basketball game at the Capital Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Barry played for the Rockets from 1978 - 79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Rick Barry #4 of the Houston Rockets lays the ball up in front of Wes Unseld #41 of the Washington Bullets during a circa 1978 NBA basketball game at the Capital Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Barry played for ... more

Gary Scott #5 leads the pack while Mickey Fay #59 follows close behind at a TT Motocross event on February 2, 1976 at the Houston Astrodome in Houton, Texas. Scott lead the pack during the first lap, but was passed by Fay who won. (Photo by Dozier Mobley/Getty Images) less

Gary Scott #5 leads the pack while Mickey Fay #59 follows close behind at a TT Motocross event on February 2, 1976 at the Houston Astrodome in Houton, Texas. Scott lead the pack during the first lap, but was ... more

Quarterback John Hadl #21 of the Houston Oilers looks to pass as snow falls during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 26, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Quarterback John Hadl #21 of the Houston Oilers looks to pass as snow falls during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 26, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by ... more

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 hands the ball to running back Hoyle Granger #30 of the Houston Oilers as Manny Fernandez #75 of the Miami Dolphins breaks through the line to try to stop Granger during a game on September 24, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photo by: Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) less

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 hands the ball to running back Hoyle Granger #30 of the Houston Oilers as Manny Fernandez #75 of the Miami Dolphins breaks through the line to try to stop Granger during a game on ... more

John Lucas #15 of the Houston Rockets in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1977 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Lucas played for the Rockets from 1976-1978, 1984-1986 and 1989-90. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

John Lucas #15 of the Houston Rockets in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1977 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Lucas played for the Rockets from ... more

Photo: Focus On Sport, Getty Images

John Lucas #15 of the Houston Rockets in action against the... Photo-5459350.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Bob Watson #27 of the Houston Astros bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Watson played for the Astros from 1966-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Bob Watson #27 of the Houston Astros bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Watson played for the Astros from ... more

Pitcher Joe Niekro #36 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during an MLB baseball game circa 1979 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Niekro played for the Astros from 1975-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Pitcher Joe Niekro #36 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during an MLB baseball game circa 1979 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Niekro played for the Astros from ... more

Gordie Howe #9 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during an WHA game against the Winnipeg Jets circa 1976 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)

Gordie Howe #9 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during an WHA game against the Winnipeg Jets circa 1976 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)

Photo: Melchior DiGiacomo, Getty Images

Gordie Howe #9 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during an WHA... Photo-5459354.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Art Howe #18 of the Houston Astros in action during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at The Astro Dome in Houston, Texas. Howe played for the Astros from 1976-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Art Howe #18 of the Houston Astros in action during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at The Astro Dome in Houston, Texas. Howe played for the Astros from 1976-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Photo: Focus On Sport, Getty Images

Art Howe #18 of the Houston Astros in action during an Major League... Photo-5459355.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros looks on laughing before the start of an Major League Baseball game circa 1974 at The Astro Dome in Houston, Texas. Cedeno played for the Astros from 1970-81. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros looks on laughing before the start of an Major League Baseball game circa 1974 at The Astro Dome in Houston, Texas. Cedeno played for the Astros from 1970-81. (Photo by ... more

Manager Leo Durocher #2 and Cesar Cedeno #28 of Houston Astros play around with one another during batting practice before the start of an Major League Baseball game circa 1973. Durocher managed the Astros from 1972-73. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Manager Leo Durocher #2 and Cesar Cedeno #28 of Houston Astros play around with one another during batting practice before the start of an Major League Baseball game circa 1973. Durocher managed the Astros from ... more

Running back Earl Campbell #34 of the Houston Oilers pushes aside Cincinnati Bengal linebacker Bo Harris during a game on November 19, 1979 in Houston Texas. The Oilers won 42- 21. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) less

Running back Earl Campbell #34 of the Houston Oilers pushes aside Cincinnati Bengal linebacker Bo Harris during a game on November 19, 1979 in Houston Texas. The Oilers won 42- 21. (Photo by Bruce Bennett ... more

NEW YORK - CIRCA 1978: Joaquin Andujar #47 of the Houston Astros pitches against the New York Mets during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Shea Stadium in the Queens Borough of New York City. Andujar played for the Astros from 1977-81 and 1988. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

NEW YORK - CIRCA 1978: Joaquin Andujar #47 of the Houston Astros pitches against the New York Mets during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Shea Stadium in the Queens Borough of New York City. Andujar ... more

Mark Howe #4 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during a WHA game circa 1975 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)

Mark Howe #4 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during a WHA game circa 1975 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)

Photo: Melchior DiGiacomo, Getty Images

Mark Howe #4 of the Houston Aeros skates on the ice during a WHA... Photo-5459360.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Bob Watson #27 of the Houston Astros bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Watson played for the Astros from 1966-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Bob Watson #27 of the Houston Astros bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Watson played for the Astros from ... more

Head Coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers in this portrait on the field circa late 1970's before an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Oilers from 1975-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Head Coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers in this portrait on the field circa late 1970's before an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Oilers from 1975-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty ... more

Photo: Focus On Sport, Getty Images

Head Coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers in this portrait on... Photo-5459362.74002 - Houston Chronicle

HOUSTON: Outfielder Jim Wynn #24 of the Houston Astros and outfielder Hank Aaron #44 of the Atlanta Braves talk before a circa 1970s game at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

HOUSTON: Outfielder Jim Wynn #24 of the Houston Astros and outfielder Hank Aaron #44 of the Atlanta Braves talk before a circa 1970s game at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty ... more

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 712th career home run against the Houston Astros at the Astrodome on September 22, 1973 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 712th career home run against the Houston Astros at the Astrodome on September 22, 1973 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Photo: Focus On Sport, Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 712th career home run... Photo-5459365.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Willie Mays #24 of the New York Mets and Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros talk during batting practice at Shea Stadium during the 1972 season in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images)

Willie Mays #24 of the New York Mets and Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros talk during batting practice at Shea Stadium during the 1972 season in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images)

Photo: Focus On Sport, Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Willie Mays #24 of the New York Mets and Cesar Cedeno #28 of the... Photo-5459366.74002 - Houston Chronicle

Billie Jean King in a match against Bobby Riggs in front of 30,472 spectators at the Houston Astrodome on September 20, 1973 in Houston, Texas. King defeated Riggs in three straight sets 6-4, 6-3, and 6-3, winning the match which came to be known as "The Battle Of The Sexes". (Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Billie Jean King in a match against Bobby Riggs in front of 30,472 spectators at the Houston Astrodome on September 20, 1973 in Houston, Texas. King defeated Riggs in three straight sets 6-4, 6-3, and 6-3, ... more

Photo: Focus On Sport, Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Billie Jean King in a match against Bobby Riggs in front of 30,472... Photo-5459369.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Houston Rockets' forward Rick Barry #4 takes a shot against the New York Nets. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets' forward Rick Barry #4 takes a shot against the New York Nets. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

A wide angle shot shows Rice Stadium during Super Bowl VIII featuring the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings on January 13, 1974 in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 24-7. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

A wide angle shot shows Rice Stadium during Super Bowl VIII featuring the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings on January 13, 1974 in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 24-7. (Photo by Focus ... more

Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka makes a touchdown in the 1st quarter in a 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974 at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. Csonka won MVP for the game with 145-yards on 33 carries. (Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty Images) less

Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka makes a touchdown in the 1st quarter in a 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974 at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. Csonka ... more

Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton hands off to running back Chuck Foreman in a 24-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974 at Rice Stadium. (Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty Images) less

Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton hands off to running back Chuck Foreman in a 24-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974 at Rice Stadium. (Photo by Sylvia ... more

Pitching coach Mel Wright #2 of the Houston Astros conferences on the mound with catcher Cliff Johnson #6 and pitcher Larry Dierker during a game in April 1976 between the Astros and the Cincinnati Reds at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Diamond Images/Getty Images) less

Pitching coach Mel Wright #2 of the Houston Astros conferences on the mound with catcher Cliff Johnson #6 and pitcher Larry Dierker during a game in April 1976 between the Astros and the Cincinnati Reds at ... more

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers hands the ball off during a game on October 27, 1974 against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) less

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers hands the ball off during a game on October 27, 1974 against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty ... more

Head coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers receives congratulations near the end of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers defeated the Raiders 27-26. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Head coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers receives congratulations near the end of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers ... more

Head coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers talks to his players in the locker room during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers defeated the Raiders 27-26. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Head coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers talks to his players in the locker room during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The ... more

Photo: Michael Zagaris, Getty Images

Head coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers talks to his players... Photo-5459377.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Don Hardeman #30 of the Houston Oilers carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Candlestick Park on December 7, 1975 in San Francisco, California. The Oilers defeated the Niners 27-13. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Don Hardeman #30 of the Houston Oilers carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Candlestick Park on December 7, 1975 in San Francisco, California. The Oilers defeated the Niners ... more

Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers hugs his father Dante following the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers defeated the Raiders 27-26. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers hugs his father Dante following the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers defeated the ... more

Defensive lineman Elvin Bethea #65 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 21, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Defensive lineman Elvin Bethea #65 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 21, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George ... more

Defensive end Elvin Bethea of the Houston Oilers prepares in the locker room before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The Oilers defeated the Raiders 27-26. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) less

Defensive end Elvin Bethea of the Houston Oilers prepares in the locker room before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum on December 14, 1975 in Oakland, California. The ... more

Infielder Doug Rader, of the Houston Astros, at bat during a game in July, 1972 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Infielder Doug Rader, of the Houston Astros, at bat during a game in July, 1972 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Photo: Diamond Images, Diamond Images/Getty Images

Infielder Doug Rader, of the Houston Astros, at bat during a game... Photo-5459382.74002 - Houston Chronicle

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Outfielder Jimmy Wynn, of the Houston Astros, poses for a portrait prior to a game in May, 1972 against the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Outfielder Jimmy Wynn, of the Houston Astros, poses for a portrait prior to a game in May, 1972 against the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Wide receiver/kick returner Billy Johnson (nicknamed "White Shoes") of the Houston Oilers in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium circa 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Wide receiver/kick returner Billy Johnson (nicknamed "White Shoes") of the Houston Oilers in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium circa 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by ... more

PITTSBURGH - CIRCA 1975: Defensive lineman Elvin Bethea #65 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium circa 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

PITTSBURGH - CIRCA 1975: Defensive lineman Elvin Bethea #65 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium circa 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ... more

Running back Fred Willis #44 of the Houston Oilers runs against defensive linemen Joe Greene #75 and Ernie Holmes #63 and linebacker Jack Lambert #58 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the rain and sleet at Three Rivers Stadium on December 1, 1974 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Running back Fred Willis #44 of the Houston Oilers runs against defensive linemen Joe Greene #75 and Ernie Holmes #63 and linebacker Jack Lambert #58 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the rain and sleet at Three ... more

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers drops back to pass behind the blocking of offensive linemen Greg Sampson #73, Ron Saul #64 and Fred Hoaglin #53 in the rain and sleet during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 1, 1974 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Quarterback Dan Pastorini #7 of the Houston Oilers drops back to pass behind the blocking of offensive linemen Greg Sampson #73, Ron Saul #64 and Fred Hoaglin #53 in the rain and sleet during a game against ... more

Linebacker Gregg Bingham #54 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 21, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) less

Linebacker Gregg Bingham #54 of the Houston Oilers on the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 21, 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George ... more

Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros slides into home safely as Fran Healy #6 of the San Francisco Giants tries to make the tag on April 15, 1972 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Herb Scharfman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) less

Cesar Cedeno #28 of the Houston Astros slides into home safely as Fran Healy #6 of the San Francisco Giants tries to make the tag on April 15, 1972 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Herb Scharfman/Sports ... more

Running back Bob Gresham #36 of the Houston Oilers runs upfield during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on September 23, 1973 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Oilers 24-10. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images) less

Running back Bob Gresham #36 of the Houston Oilers runs upfield during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on September 23, 1973 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Oilers ... more

Terry Puhl #21 of the Houston Astros gets a sign during a game against the New York Mets during the 1979 season at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Terry Puhl #21 of the Houston Astros gets a sign during a game against the New York Mets during the 1979 season at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Outfielder Jesus Alou #22 of the Houston Astros watches the flight of his ball as he follows through on a swing against the Pittsburgh Pirates during an MLB baseball game circa early 1970's at Riverfront Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alou played for the Astros from 1969-73. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) less

Outfielder Jesus Alou #22 of the Houston Astros watches the flight of his ball as he follows through on a swing against the Pittsburgh Pirates during an MLB baseball game circa early 1970's at Riverfront ... more

Houston Oilers defensive tackle John Matuszak (78) tries to shed a blocker during a 13-42 loss to the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 1973, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Tim Culek/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** less

Houston Oilers defensive tackle John Matuszak (78) tries to shed a blocker during a 13-42 loss to the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 1973, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Tim ... more